FQSC Strongly Condemns the Use of Drugs

release by the FQSC

October 19, 2011 (Montreal, QC) – The Quebec Cycling Federation (FQSC) is deeply shocked by the announcement by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CEES), which revealed a doping violation committed by Quebec cyclist Arnaud Papillon.

The analysis of a urine sample collected during a doping test conducted June 25, 2011, at the Canadian Road Championships, revealed the presence of erythropoietin (EPO), a banned substance.

“This is unacceptable. By cheating in this way, the athlete has helped tarnish the image of the sport. It is a disrespect to the rest of the competitors, but also to all who have supported him at one time or another during his career,” said Louis Barbeau, Director General of the FQSC.

“After all representations were made to promote a healthy sport, I do not understand that he could commit an act of such carelessness. As we have said, and repeat again – there is no need to resort to doping to perform. Several athletes have demonstrated this, “said Barbeau.

The CCES, which governs these controls, reacted with a sanction of a two-years suspension under the circumstances. The athlete is also no longer eligible for the scholarship program funded by Sport Canada.

“We endorse the decision of the CCES,” said Barbeau. “It goes without saying that we strongly oppose the use of doping substances. Moreover, many efforts have been made in the past to stop doping in our sport. That said, we intend to continue and even intensify measures to fight against this scourge.”

In addition, the FQSC strongly encouraged the athlete to work with the CCES, which is currently investigating the origin of such banned substances.

In the wake of this distressing news, the Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) decided to strip the athlete at fault of the silver medal he earned in the U23 Men’s road race at the Canadian Road Cycling Championships. The FQSC supports this decision, in an effort to correct the injustice committed against the other riders who took part in this competition.

Anti-Doping

FQSC wishes to reiterate its position of zero tolerance on doping. In addition to distorting the sport, this method of cheating is also harmful and even dangerous to the health of those who use it.

Several initiatives have been developed to encourage a healthy sport such as the Roulez gagnants au naturel! campaign, launched in April 26, 2006. The success of this program was such that in 2009 the CCA decided to extend the benefits of the program to the entire cycling community by creating a national equivalent called: Race Clean – OWN THE VICTORY.